Plans for a new service station at the end of the M65 in Colne which sparked opposition from residents have been turned down.

Pendle Council planning committee refused the application because of the ‘nature and design of the proposed development’ and the ‘retail impact of the units’.

John Rivett, chairman of the Greenfield Road Forum, which was set up to oppose the application, said that the group was over the moon at the decision.

He said: “It’s been hard work. It’s a massive relief for us. It would have ruined our lives.

“When you have got a field at the back of your house and your confronted with the prospect of a huge fuel station – it just doesn’t sit right.”

At the committee meeting, the forum spoke about the impact that it would have had on noise pollution, nature, the local economy and traffic congestion.

Colne Business Improvement District collective also contributed saying that it would drive people out of the town and have a detrimental effect on local businesses.

The plans would have seen the erection of three buildings, including fuel station and a drive-thru coffee unit, in an application submitted by the Blackburn-born Issa brothers as part of the EG Group empire.

There were 118 public comments received on the online application, with 116 of those objecting to the plans. The council also received 30 letters from the public, all of which opposed the plans.

EG Group met last month with the local residents who were opposing the plans and agreed to make amendments however the forum say that the amended plans ‘did not reflect’ discussions.

The EG Group declined to comment.